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The new application for the January 2016 A Cambodia Journey (ACJ) is now live! Organized by the YMCA of Greater Long Beach in partnership with Khmerican, ACJ is a two week service learning and cultural immersion program bringing Americans to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

ACJ AT A GLANCE
WHAT: A Cambodia Journey is a global service learning and cultural immersion program
WHO: Open to all US residents 18 and older
WHEN: November 1 – 14, 2016 (November 1-3 in Long Beach, CA and November 3-14 in Cambodia)
WHERE: Phnom Penh, Sihanouk Ville and Siem Reap, Cambodia
WHY: To become a change agent and raise awareness about the current situation in Cambodia
COST: $3,500 /per person

“We took over 70 YMCA street children to the Cambodia National Museum, where statues of Cambodian mythology and artifacts are displayed. The museum was a great opportunity for the kids because I don’t think a lot of them really learn about cultural history here. For some of them growing up, they’re just familiar with the streets, and don’t know the actual history of how Cambodia came to be.

We also took them to the park and gave them a shirt that says “Khmer Loves Khmer.” After ice cream, it was onward to the Royal Palace.

In America, I would never dream to see something like the palace and for these kids to only be a block away from this and never experience it all their life-is amazing. I hope that they do take this opportunity to learn about the culture and see that Cambodians persevere; you never give up because you know how great it can be.

I think they would never dream to have the opportunity to go into one of these places. What we provided with the YMCA was just astounding. Giving them the opportunity to dream and see that some things are possible even with the way the world is here for them.

The kids were very respectful when we were at the palace pagodas. I didn’t expect this behavior because of how they were raised; but, for them to show that respect to the temple and to the country, was wonderful. We were handing them money and you know that they have probably never touched 5,000 Riel, which is over a dollar, in their hand. To see that, to donate and to feel blessed about it was remarkable. For a kid to be so happy about putting money into the donation bin was just a great moment.”

You each helped in feeding about 600 families in a slum of Cambodia’s capital, ‪#‎PhnomPenh‬. As a group we donated to the kids: clothing, food supplies, vitamins, and hygienic supplies! Much was shared and learned. Our group had an intense and beautiful experience in ‪#‎Cambodia‬ with the ‪#‎YMCA‬students and each other. What I learned most importantly is to understand the value and impact you (as an individual) can have- if even in one person’s life. It doesn’t solve the big institutional issues and questions… A bag of rice is not a sustainable answer and I struggled with that. But if I could describe to you accurately the significance of that immediate help, you’ll see that any small step is still a step. It’s so hard to look into a person’s eyes and think academically, there is just that very real and true human connection that you must respond to. You can still impact the life of another person in one day, especially if their living experience is day by day.

We can’t save Cambodia in 2 weeks, but we can still try to bring as much humanity and love as possible so people know that they are not forgotten. And you can still inspire any child to think about a future and live to their potential. I’m a work in progress myself as my life moves forward from this trip but I greatly appreciate the individuals I met and was able to learn from.

” My purpose of joining this trip was to help the kids and to gain new experiences out of it. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life and I was hoping this trip would lead me the way that show what it is that I really want to do. Actually, it was sort of what I expected. I arrived mentally prepared because I knew Cambodia wasn’t like America due to being a third world country. I learned how much easier I had it in life than these kids. Knowing that made me feel that I should take advantage of all the resources I have in this country and apply my knowledge to all the other third world country that are in need out there. (I thought my life was hard)??????????

There are a lot of homeless kids and babies on the street without any food and education. In America, we have systems to help support family and kids if needed. But in Cambodia, they don’t have welfare, financial aid, etc. Therefore, all the intelligent kids cannot get any help with food, shelter, school, etc. to help them succeed in life. Yes, this journey has opened my eyes a lot and gave me a lot. I am hoping I can still help the kids in any way possible. This trip has motivated me to go back to school and major in the medical field. Within that field I then can go back and help the poor kids and families there in need. “#Cambodia2015

About the YMCA Cambodia Project

To enhance engagement with vulnerable communities in Cambodia to improve their quality of life and increase exposure and understanding of Cambodian history and culture among program participants and their communities.